The Dominican Republic is a party to the Hague Treaty on international adoptions. The adoption authority is the National Counsel for Children and Adolescents (CONANI)
Children Available
Children available for adoption from the Dominican Republic range from young toddlers to teens, the average age being 2-4 years old. They are often abandoned or found working in the streets due to the poor economic situation of their parents. Dominican children are of Hispanic descent, or are often bi-racial as there is a large Haitian minority in the country. Most 
children will have brown eyes, light brown or dark brown skin, and black or brown hair. Some children may be of pure African or Haitian ethnicity.
When adopting from the Dominican Republic, consider you will be adopting the following:
Boys and girls 10 months to 17 years old
Children with special needs and older children
Two or more siblings at one time
Families considering adopting a child will have access to child’s background information before travel. In most cases, additional information is available upon request.
Dominican Republic Adoption Requirements
In addition to the USCIS eligibility requirements for prospective adoptive parent(s), Dominican Republic has the following adoption eligibility requirements. If you feel you are not eligible to adopt from Dominican Republic, or you are unsure, contact us for a free case-by-case consultation regarding your adoption.
Citizenship: One adoptive parent must be a US citizen.
Age: Adoptive parents must be at least 30 years of age. Parents can be as old as 60, but must be at least 15 years older than the child they plan to adopt.
Marriage Status: Married couples should be married at least 5 years. There are no prior divorce restrictions.
Income: There is no minimum income required. However, you must meet the income requirements provided by USCIS for the child to immigrate.
Medical: If you take prescription medicine or have a medical condition, please contact our adoption consultant to determine your eligibility.
Children in Home: There is no limit to the number of children currently in the home.
Timeline: Expect a referral 1-2 years after dossier has been turned in to CONANI depending on the age of the child and whether they have special needs. Expect a wait twice as long if you are seeking a healthy child.
Travel: After you are matched with a child or sibling group, within 6 weeks you should prepare to travel and live in the Dominican Republic for co-habitation and bonding period of 60 days if you are adopting a child 12 and under, and 30 days if your are adopting a child over 12. Once this period co-habitation period is complete one parent may return home while the other finalizes the adoption in country.
Dominican Republic adoption eligibility requirements are subject to change per Dominican Republic adoption laws.
Dominican Republic Adoption Resources
Agencies Working With Dominican Republic Adoption
International Adoption Agency
International Adoption Agency
